Table of Contents Introduction �����������������������������������������1 Laptop Interface Enclosure ......7 Light����������������������������������������������������������7 How to Use This Manual ......1 Fold-Down Shelf ��������������������������������������7 DMS Overview ..........1 Outlets������������������������������������������������������7 Theory of Operation ........1 Mechanical Installation ���������������������8 Vanguard Software �������������������������������1 ® VFC-3000 Controller/Vanguard Field Lifting the Display ........8 ®...
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LED and Electronic Circuitry ����������������24 Maintenance Checklist ......24 Troubleshooting ........25 Exchange and Repair Programs �����28 Daktronics Part Numbers ......28 Daktronics Exchange and Repair & Return Programs ........28 Exchange Program ������������������������������28 Before Contacting Daktronics �������������28 Repair & Return Program ���������������������29 Shipping Address ����������������������������������29 Email ������������������������������������������������������29...
Auxiliary Control Panel The auxiliary control panel (ACP) complements the controller by providing a secondary control interface panel at the DMS site. The ACP allows a maintenance technician to perform diagnostics while working in one location without having to access the controller in another location.
Components Modules A module is a replaceable unit consisting of a display panel with clusters of LEDs, called pixels. The pixels display messages on the display. Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 2. Each module contains drive electronics that receive data packets from the Vanguard control ®...
Service Control Panel The service control panel (SCP) is located on the left side of the display facing the rear. The internal components of the SCP use information received from the VFC-3000 Field Controller to control the display. Figure 6 shows the location of controller/Vanguard ®...
Panelboard The panelboard is a circuit breaker box that distributes incoming power to the display components that require AC power. Surge Suppressor The parallel surge suppressor protects the display from current spikes. Relays Relays are solid-state switches in which the electrical current applied across one port or terminal controls electrical currents for another terminal, such as a beacon or fan.
Fan RPM Sensors Each ventilation fan has an internal RPM sensor. The fans fail if they do not revolve at least 1,000 RPM. This information is then reported to and displayed on the VFC-3000 controller/Vanguard Field Controller. ® Beacon(s) Beacons are turned on and off independently from the rest of the sign by the VCB. Beacons are used at the customer’s discretion.
Laptop Interface Enclosure Light The LIE is equipped with a light and light switch, located at the top of the LIE. Fold-Down Shelf The LIE has a fold-down shelf that holds a laptop computer. Outlets The utility outlets provide a location within the LIE to plug in control equipment. The GFCI outlet is for service personnel only.
Display Mounting Securely mount each display to a suitable mounting structure provided by others. Daktronics attached aluminum Z-extrusions to the back of the display for mounting. Use all Z-extrusions when mounting the display. Use appropriate hardware to support the weight of the display. Have a qualified engineer inspect the mounting structure.
Traffic Cabinet Mounting Ground Mounting Secure the traffic cabinet to a concrete pad using anchor bolts. Daktronics recommends using " stainless steel anchor bolts. When anchoring the traffic cabinet to the concrete pad, make sure the bottom of the cabinet allows for water drainage. Do not seal the cabinet to the concrete pad as this prevents water from draining properly.
Electrical Installation Getting Started Daktronics recommends that a separate circuit be run to the electronic display(s) to isolate it and prevent any issues that could be caused by line voltage fluctuations or high frequency noise on the power line caused by other types of equipment. A separate circuit also makes display maintenance and troubleshooting easier.
3� Route the power cables through the 1 " conduit hub, into the SCP, and into the A41 panelboard. 4� Terminate each wire at the appropriate terminal block and earth-ground lug. Conduit Sealing Fill the ends of conduits entering the display with duct seal. Module Connection 2-pin connectors make the low voltage power connections within the display.
After installing the display and DMS site equipment, test the site according to the field test procedure. This ensures all equipment is installed properly and is operational. If a field test procedure is not available, call Daktronics Transportation Customer Service at 800- 833-3157 to obtain a copy.
2� Only qualified service personnel should access internal display electronics. Contact Daktronics Customer Service for training needs. 3� Daktronics engineering staff must approve changes made to the displays. If making modifications, submit detailed drawings to the Daktronics engineering staff for evaluation and approval or the warranty will be void.
7-Segment Error Codes (VFC-3000) A 7-segment indicator appears on the following components; refer to Figure 11. The 7-segment indicator provides codes to indicate any present errors and their cause. When an error occurs, the 7-segment will flash the error code. If multiple errors are present, the 7-segment will flash the errors individually in succession.
7- Segment Error Code Error Cause No fiber packets for 15 Communications Lost seconds Board voltages below limit: V-ln, 1 and 2 < 20 VDC 9 V < 8.52 VDC Power Failure 3.3 V < 3 VDC 2.5 V < 2.37 VDC 1.2 V <...
7-Segment Error Codes (VFC) Three 7-segment indicators appear on the following component; refer to Figure 12. The 7-segment indicators provide codes to indicate normal running conditions as well as any present errors and their cause. When an error occurs, the 7-segment will flash the error codes individually in succession.
A single 7-segment indicator appears on the following components; refer to Figure 13. The 7-segment indicator provides codes to indicate any present errors and their cause. When an error occurs, the 7-segment will flash the error code. If multiple errors are present, the 7-segment will flash the errors individually in succession.
Internal Component Access To access the internal components, open the service door� 1� Use the tubular key provided by Daktronics to unlock the door. 2� Gently pull the door away from the display until the roller of the door is securely on the track groove.
Module Replacement (46/66mm) 1� Turn off power to the failed module by turning off the breakers for all power supplies. 2� Remove the wire connections: a� Press the locking tabs of the 2-pin power connector and remove the connector. b� Press the tabs of the 8-pin signal connector and remove the connector. 3�...
7� Reapply power to the power supplies turned off in Step 1. 8� Test the modules: a� Display the moving row, moving column, and all on/all off test messages. Run the test messages at both 10% and 100% brightness settings. Watch for proper operation of the LED module during each test message.
Filter Replacement 1� Turn off the intake fan breaker. 2� Slide the filter out of the filter brackets. 3� Slide a new filter into the filter brackets. Fan Replacement 1� Open the service doors to the SCP and the failed ventilation fan. 2�...
Check the connections of the earth ground wires, if accessible. Earth Ground Resistance At least once per year ensure earth ground readings meet local and national codes. Note: Ground meters for this test are available for purchase from Daktronics. Display Cabinet At least once per year: 1�...
Vanguard Field Controller ® At least once per year: • Ensure all connectors are secure and the cables are not damaged in any way. • Check the Vanguard Field Controller operation. ® Face Panels Clean the face panels as needed, using one of the following methods. Wet Outdoor Cleaning Method Cleaning supplies: •...
LED and Electronic Circuitry Test LED and electronic circuitry at intervals determined by customer requirements. Daktronics recommends performing the tests at least monthly. Perform tests on the DMS to check for hardware problems and incorrect variable settings. Note: The following tests display functions, not other DMS equipment hardware.
Troubleshooting For additional assistance, contact Daktronics Transportation Customer Service at the telephone number on the cover page. Problem Observed Possible Cause Solution No LEDs light, and the Check that the traffic cabinet No power. controller does not has power. communicate with the central Controller or modem is bad.
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Problem Observed Possible Cause Solution Power connector unplugged Plug in connector. at module. Address and signal connector Plug in connector. unplugged at module. No LEDs on a module light. Power plug terminals are not Inspect all wires and terminals properly seated, or the wire is for power plug.
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Problem Observed Possible Cause Solution Light sensor assembly is Clear obstruction. obstructed. One or more wires or terminals in the light/temp control cable are misplaced, open or shorted to other wires or the Repair as needed. frame in display, controller, or LED brightness is wrong—entire control cable from display to display is too bright or too dim.
Daktronics offers a unique Exchange Program as a quick service for replacing key parts in need of repair. If a part requires repair or replacement, Daktronics sends the customer a replacement, and the customer sends the defective part to Daktronics. This decreases display downtime.
Repair & Return Program For items not subject to exchange, Daktronics offers a Repair & Return Program. To send a part for repair, follow these steps: 1� Call or fax Daktronics Customer Service: Refer to the appropriate market number in the chart listed on the previous page.
Glossary Address: Identification number assigned to each sign in a network, set through the front panel interface. The central controller uses the address to differentiate between signs connected on the same network. Signs on the same network cannot have the same address.
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Serial Port: Connector on the back of the control computer that controls the display network through either a 9- or a 25-pin serial connector. Service Control Panel (SCP): Enclosure that serves as a central point for all data and power distribution. The SCP contains the VCB, relays, and the main power distribution panel.
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